Why do my feet hurt *so* during my period?

“Menstrual pain can be caused by a variety of factors, and everyone experiences it differently,” says Dr. Neha Thawani, an obstetrics and gynecology resident at Stanford Medicine. “Some people experience leg pain during their period.”

It is normal to experience mild leg pain during your period. However, in some cases, pain can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Here are seven reasons why the pain may occur.

1. High prostaglandin levels

Leg pain during menstruation may be related to prostaglandins. Prostaglandin is a fancy word for hormone-like chemicals in the body that have functions such as maintaining blood clotting balance and regulating blood pressure. When your period arrives, your body releases these chemicals to cause your uterus to contract (which causes the uterine lining to slough off, leading to monthly bleeding). However, these compounds trigger an inflammatory response, “causing symptoms such as fever, chills, and pain,” Dr. Thawani says.

In other words, prostaglandins are the cause of your severe period pain. “During your period, prostaglandins are often concentrated in the lower abdomen and pelvis, causing classic symptoms such as bloating, cramping, and nausea,” says Dr. Thawani.

Okay, but why do you feel pain in your legs? This has to do with the “closeness of your uterus to your legs,” explains Dr. Thawani. “Some people may experience radiating pain,” meaning the pain may originate in the abdomen, but often travels down the legs.

2. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Mood swings, food cravings, and acne are the hallmark triad of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. However, PMS is often the cause of leg pain.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in some (OK, most people) people who experience periods. Research shows that about three out of four people who menstruate develop PMS symptoms a few days before their period begins. While PMS may be known for changes in mood and sex drive, joint and muscle pain are also common complaints of PMS, according to the Mayo Clinic.

3. Hormonal changes during menopause

Have you noticed pain in your legs during the transition to menopause? There may be a reason for it. “Although rare, hormonal changes associated with menopause can cause leg pain,” says Dr. Thawani. “During menopause, (estrogen) levels eventually decline, but there are still some fluctuations, including increased hormone release.” At this stage of life, the body secretes prostaglandins and responds to inflammation. , which can cause further pain that radiates down the leg.

4. Dehydration symptoms

Dehydration is a common cause of leg cramps. During the menstrual cycle, fluctuations in hormones (such as estrogen and progesterone) can affect hydration levels, as can blood loss (especially if you tend to have heavy menstrual flow).

The problem, according to AARP, is that a lack of water can disrupt your electrolyte balance and reduce blood flow to your leg muscles. Both of these factors can cause cramps, muscle pain, and weakness.

5. Anemia

Without enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to tissues, a common blood disorder called anemia can occur. According to the Mayo Clinic, some people with chronic heavy periods can develop iron deficiency anemia due to excessive blood loss and iron stores depleting over time.

Iron deficiency anemia can cause a variety of symptoms, including extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, and, you guessed it, muscle pain that can affect your legs. Anemia can lead to restless legs syndrome, a neurological disorder that causes an irresistible urge to move your legs. You may also experience sharp pain, numbness, or tingling in your lower legs. That’s because a lack of iron can negatively impact your nervous system, the system in your body that controls and regulates pain receptors.

6. Endometriosis

“If you are living with endometriosis, you may experience leg pain during menstruation,” says Dr. Thawani. Endometriosis is a disease that occurs when tissue similar to the tissue that lines the uterus begins to grow outside the uterus, causing symptoms such as pelvic pain, menstrual pain, fatigue, and increased risk of infertility. cause

Endometrial tissue is sensitive to hormones like estrogen and progesterone, so they cycle through different stages of the menstrual cycle, just like the uterus, says Dr. Thawani. The problem is that hormone-sensitive tissues in the body usually mean more prostaglandins are released during menstruation, she added. Prostaglandins can increase inflammation, which can also lead to increased pain that can radiate down the legs.

7. Joint pain

If you have a joint disease such as arthritis, you may experience more inflammation during your period. Also, while joint pain from arthritis may already be causing leg pain, these pains may become more pronounced at this time of year.

According to the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), the relationship between arthritis and the menstrual cycle is not completely clear, but scientists hypothesize that it may be related to hormonal fluctuations (surprise, surprise). One theory is that hormones can directly affect joints by increasing inflammation. There is also the idea that hormones can influence pain perception. For example, data suggests that people with uteruses experience more pain when estrogen levels are low (such as right before a period), according to HSS.

When does leg pain become serious?

Mild leg pain during your period is one thing, excruciating or persistent leg pain is another. If your pain level is intolerable or debilitating (think of it as interfering with your daily life) and/or continues after your period, there is an underlying medical condition that should be checked by your health care provider. could be a sign of. At first, the pain may be a persistent or unpleasant sensation, but if the symptoms are not addressed, they can lead to unwanted complications. Therefore, do not wait to contact your provider. Tell them about your pain and they will perform an examination to understand the cause and recommend a treatment.

How to relieve leg pain during menstruation

However, there is good news too. Period-related leg pain can usually be relieved with home remedies. Try the following strategies.

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil (ibuprofen), often help with prostaglandin-related inflammation. For effective pain relief, take it 24 hours before your period starts, says Dr. Thawani. Stay hydrated: Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water each day, and more if you sweat a lot. This helps prevent leg cramps related to dehydration. The color of your pee can tell you if you’re getting enough H2O. Generally (but not always), the clearer the pee, the more water it contains. Yellow or amber pee indicates that your body may need more water. Limit alcohol and caffeine: These drinks have diuretic effects, making you pee more often. If you don’t replace lost fluids with water, drinks containing caffeine or alcohol can cause dehydration and increase your risk of pain. Give yourself a massage. Rub the cramped muscle with your hands or a foam roller to relieve tension. Move your body: Stretching, walking, and small movements can help relieve muscle spasms, so if you’re experiencing pain, it’s a good idea to incorporate gentle movement. Use heat or ice packs: Heating pads or ice packs are known to help relieve pain at home. HSS recommends using ice packs for acute pain or injuries, while heating pads are most effective for muscle stiffness and spasms.

When should you see a health care provider?

Leg-related menstrual pain is generally relieved with over-the-counter medications and special care at home during your period. However, if your pain is interfering with your daily life, we recommend contacting your health care provider. Period-related symptoms such as leg pain, bleeding, and fatigue should not interfere with your daily life. “If you have to take time off from work during your period, seek help,” says Dr. Thawani. “You don’t have to suffer in silence.”